Book Reviews 2013

December 16, 2013

The Forever Gate by Isaac Hooke - 4/5 stars

This is part one of a five-part novel, so it was quick to read. Since it is sold as a single product I have no qualms about giving it a proper review.

The main protagonist is a man called Hoodwink, endowed with lightning powers. After having used those same forbidden powers he finds himself locked up with a bronze collar around his neck, to ensure he doesn’t use them again. The story therefore starts with him in prison, awaiting execution. Those who use their lightning powers are called Users, a purportedly dangerous group.

The story is fast-paced. The action scenes are described very well, and quickly, so as to keep the reader’s attention. Hoodwink has a past behind him, which isn’t explained well, perhaps intentionally. Hoodwink, along with everybody else, is trapped in a world controlled by gols (golems?) for their own safety. Their one way of reaching the Outside is through the Forever Gate.

Sometimes Hoodwink’s mind changed too rapidly on decisions, since the emphasis was on the action. Overall this book was a neat blend of fantasy elements; well-rounded, and appealing to read. Expect lightning powers, portals, and mysterious secrets governing the nature of existence. I have downloaded a sample of the next part!

December 5, 2013

Revolt in 2100 by Robert Heinlein - 5/5 stars

I bought this book for a few pounds at a market. The copy I had was published in 1972. The person I bought it from told me Robert Heinlein was one of the original thinkers of the science-fiction age, and I don’t think he was wrong.

This book is actually a collection of three stories. The first and longest story If this goes on, is cited on the book’s description and had more of a plot than the following two stories. It is about John Lyle, a young acolyte of a religious tyranny that rules America, presumably in the Year 2100. He falls in love with Judith, a beautiful virgin of the prophet, and is led astray by his friend Zeb. He starts to have doubts about the ruling religious order and prophet he had been devoted to.

The beginning of the story makes out that John Lyle’s attraction to Judith is the motivating force behind his doubts, but this part of the story was not continued much, and was left hanging.

Under the surface of the prophet’s powerful grasp of civilisation, a rebellion is rising. Which side will John Lyle find himself on?

Overall this book is very enjoyable read. I like how the author uses one insecure and unknowledgeable main character and a very practical-minded and quick-thinking character to construct the plot. However, I was disappointed that the main characters seemed to fade into the background of the event (revolt) that ensues. The second story Coventry was an interesting idea that speculated on a society that psychologically adjusts any “perceived” mental disorders, and has a place called Coventry where those who refuse to be psychologically treated are sent. Coventry is a disorderly region inside the United States. This story lacked the punch and character-building that the first had, but it developed well. The last story was very short and was hard sci-fi, which shows the author is very talented at writing different types. I was a bit overwhelmed with the science.

I would definitely give Robert Heinlein’s books consideration in the future. Revolt in 2100 is on my favourites pile!

November 1, 2013

The Phoenix Rising by Richard L Sanders - 5/5 stars

I needed to attempt the sequel after having read the first book. The writing style had the similar pace and excitement I have come to rely on.

This story answers some of the unanswered questions posed in the first book, but adds many more questions. I think I would have preferred the author to have answered all the pertinent questions related to this story in this book, rather than wait until the third book. However, these are sci-fi mystery novels, and the mystery did keep me hanging on, despite the lack of answers.

As for other criticism I did find it uncanny how the characters seemed to guess accurately what their adversaries were thinking, which made the action slightly less believable.

Overall this story is an intriguing, suspense-filled mystery that continues the story of Calvin Cross, Commander of a rogue Intel Wing craft called the Nighthawk. I think the military action scenes, the realistic portrayal of the characters and the intriguing scenarios they meet with are the most entertaining and aspects of this novel. Oh, and the fact that I can’t stop reading this series!

October 15, 2013

Review -- Atkinsons’ Administration by John Paul Bernett -- 5/5 stars

I’m not very familiar with the horror genre, but I must say this book did capture my attention.

The main idea used felt very unique; that of a reaper and scribe existing for generations, determining who will soon pass into the next realm. But what happens when this system can be abused?

I found my interest in the beginning of the story rather wondrous. John Smith is an ordinary bloke, living alone in his apartment, but something isn’t quite right about him.

The remainder of the book revolved around a battle between good and evil, which are my favourite stories. It was about modern civilisation’s response to dark and at first incomprehensible forces. Think police investigation, fast-moving plot, and thriller-style scenes.

I must say I was very impressed with the book. The end of the book is in no way predictable either. If these types of books are your thing then don’t hesitate to buy the Reaper series immediately!

October 11, 2013

Review - Boneshaker by Cherie Priest - 5/5 stars

I received this book as a gift. I wanted to try a bit of steampunk again, and this was happily waiting on my bookshelf.

The beginning was a bit slow, I confess. The author starts us from the ground up, which is a good way to start, and teaches us about the two main characters: Briar Wilkes and her son Zeke, who have a bit of history in the story. Briar tended to procrastinate a few times, clearly avoiding discussing some sensitive family matters with her son.

It turns out the main characters have a direct connection to the Boneshaker machine. The Boneshaker machine caused quite an incident in Seattle, unleashing a gas called the Blight, which turns humans into the undead. Seattle is walled off from the rest of civilization.

I must say the author did a very good job introducing steampunk technologies to the reader, and ensured there was a very good reason for their presence. For example, gas masks are worn to ensure people are not infected by the Blight gas, and the subsequent isolation in Seattle and the scavenging of a local inventor leads to new/steampunk technologies.

There was a lot happening in this book. There were many interesting characters and the main two characters sped through a lot of non-stop action.

I’d recommend this book to anybody who likes steampunk. The ending was good, and although unexpected, it didn’t really overawe me. However the gradual build-up of the truth between mother and son is definitely enjoyable and makes the rest of the story an intriguing read.

August 31, 2013

Union of Renegades by Tracy Falbe - 5/5 stars

This story is a beast - 180,000 words of pure epic fantasy. I read all of it. It took me a month. Every word was worth it!

The story starts off with an interesting premise; that of warrior-general Dreibrand, of the conquering Atrophane army. He yearns to explore the Wilderness, an exotic and unknown land to the West. But he is of a family cast into disrepute, and has to work hard to win the favour of Hordemaster Kwan, his superior.

The other main character was Miranda. I found her story strangely and unexpectedly compelling; beaten and oppressed by her petty, but physically intimidating, partner who is intent on using her to put coins in his pocket.

The beginning of the story certainly piqued my interest, and had enough elements to prod my curiosity. The next 80% is a fantastic build-up of events, where we see new characters and places interwoven with a mysterious race called the rys, blue magical beings.

After having been unable to stop reading this well-crafted and weaved story with multiple character viewpoints, I was really looking forward to some action. The build-up was great and certainly intriguing, but I wanted to be rewarded. And alas, I was. The last 10% was a fulfilling reward to a well-rounded story, and gives the reader satisfaction that they have read a great book. But unfortunately the reader feels they must read the next book to learn more about the characters, which made this technique a double-edged sword.

There were a few spelling and grammatical mistakes in this book, which intensified just before the middle, I think, but they did ease up for the second half of the story.

Overall this story is a pleasant world to be immersed in, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. The paperback set on the author’s website looks very tempting.

July 18, 2013

Legends of Origin: Sanctuary for the Devil by Vanessa Finaughty - 5/5 stars

How did I find this book: I was looking for science-fiction (my favourite genre) but I didn’t want the usual space-opera/military science-fiction this time. I was looking for something a little different. It turned out what I wanted was a science-fiction adventure. It ended up being that this book wasn’t very science-fiction, but what attracted me was the speculative nature of the book: the origin of the human race.

How did it start? Upon picking up this book I was immediately transported into a vast surreal world. I loved every moment of it. The snow falling down on the main character painted a very picturesque scene. I hoped the rest of the book would be this illustrated and would have background settings as unique and original.

0% - 80% Putting this book down never crossed my mind. The main characters were described very well. We learnt much about them: Liam, the defiant and insecure, but brave and determined person on a new planet, tasked with finding the Garden of Origin, where all humans were thought to have originated from. Chased by evil forces, he stumbles towards a monastery, where he meets Arthean. Arthean is incorruptible and protective, but also downright nosy and curious. The clash between these characters, and the ensuing adventure brought into being by external forces, is a joy to read.

The visual environments were well described. The character interaction pushed the story forward mainly, but it was done very tidily. There were no gaping holes or unusual happenstances in this story. The author has strong control over her characters and their limitations. Definitely the most consistent story I have read so far. Up to 30% through the story I was totally engaged. Around 50% it becomes interesting; there is more at stake than the reader at first is led to believe. At 80% I was awaiting the truth; what is the Garden of Origin?

Overall The most consistent and high quality book I have ever read by an indie author. I have read great books by indie authors where I have considered reading their second to a series. But this author made me wonder what other types of books she writes. The conclusion had slightly less impact than I had hoped. I felt some of the major events were explained away at the end rather than explained. The second book will likely answer most of the lingering questions. I’m not a huge fan of religious books; I picked this one up for its speculative nature; but this was a very engaging and enjoyable read. I recommend for fantasy adventure lovers everywhere. The unique angle is the origins of humanity, and the powerful bonds between the characters. This book is sublime. I would definitely consider looking into her other works.

July 1, 2013

The Phoenix Conspiracy by Richard L Sanders - 5/5 stars

I’ll get straight to the point here: fantastic, epic, galactic space-opera!

The first chapters pulled me in immediately. The story had an interesting premise. Intel Wing, the Empire’s investigation division, is assigned to look into a very unusual case. A decorated imperial military captain, Asari Raidan, has uncharacteristically destroyed several Rotham ships. Why would Raidan risk his position and his impeccable record just to destroy what appears to be several innocent Rotham Ships? Calvin Cross of Intel Wing is tasked to discover why.

The conspiracy angle was very unique. The reader sees the conspiracy (this shouldn’t be a spoiler since it is in the title!) through the perspective of Calvin Cross and his laid-back crew. This enabled us to learn a lot about Calvin and his crewmates. When Summers Presley, a beautiful by-the-book commander, formerly under Asari Raidan’s command, is sent to help Calvin Cross, on-ship tensions threaten to breaking point. Calvin Cross and his loyal investigative crew’s ideals clash with those of Summers Presley because she is a fleet officer of the empire and she is used to doing what she is told.

About a third of the way through the book the story became even more interesting. Characters are introduced, and more information is given to the reader to digest regarding strange galactic events. The book never ceased to amaze me. My eyes were glued to it from page 1 to the end. I don’t think there was one single moment where I drifted. The characters were believable and the plot was riveting and moved forward at a fast-pace.

I have seen a few reviews citing this book as being similar to Star Trek, but I failed to see much similarity. Yes the main characters are on a ship and there is a commander trying to solve problems … hmm. The Mass Effect video-game series was where I thought similarity existed: events of galactic importance hitting the main characters again and again, and added with a sweet mixture of unusual and very interesting characters.

I am very tempted to buy his next book and read it. It was one of the best sci-fi books I have read. If you like sci-fi/military/space-opera/thriller books that are un-put-down-able then read this book!

June 22, 2013

The Devil’s Concubine by Jill Braden

I won this book in a giveaway. I entered the giveaway because the blurb pulled me in. It sounded exciting, mysterious, and as if it could offer more to the reader than it stated. However, in the back of my mind I was asking myself why I entered the giveaway. The title and the cover didn’t really tell me that the book was for me. It got categorized in my head as a romance/erotic novel and I am not a big fan of those.

But when I started reading I was pleasantly surprised that I found it enjoyable, despite the fact that there were a few common fantasy creatures in there that might have put me off the book; if the writing wasn’t so engaging. The colourful worlds and vivid descriptions were absorbing. I felt as if I was immersed in these beautifully constructed worlds that the author created.

In hindsight I felt the title, cover, and blurb were misleading. This book seemed to be so much more than it appeared. I was ready to compare it with Mark Charan Newton’s Legends of the Red Sun series, which I found to be full of great imaginary creations.

However, the book lost me on page 87. At this point the story properly starts, but I wasn’t engaged with the direction it was taking. I felt that the plot was too narrow and the character focus made its dominance clear. For people who love character focused books I would thoroughly recommend this book; for fantasy lovers and those who like a bit of intrigue and a compelling world to step into. I read further, but the interaction between the two main characters confused me a little. I felt I didn’t get the point. I feel sure there will be readers out there who will. Overall the book’s presentation, quality, and imagery were very good.

Overall the book wasn’t for me. For those readers looking for a substantial plot I believe you may be disappointed. I felt it was a little predictable, and overshadowed by the main two characters … Kyam Zul and Qui’Tai. For those readers who are looking for a book where character interaction is the focus then this is just your thing!

June 5, 2013

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots by Project Itoh -- 5/5 stars

I was impressed, to say the least. I didn’t have very high expectations for this novel, after my experience with the first two Metal Gear Solid novels. The first two novels weren’t bad, by any means, but they read like very accurate representations of the first two games, and although I enjoyed those novels, they lacked a voice of their own, in my opinion.

This was different. From the outset the novel was a unique read. I enjoyed the explanations because I felt they did well to tie the first three Metal Gear Solid games in with this novel. The explanations acted as a bridge to understanding. However, a new reader to the Metal Gear series would probably be a bit flummoxed with the number of new characters introduced in this story, which could put them off.

As I continued to read the story slowly unfolded. The action speeded up and there was more to make this story stand out, on its own merits. It had a voice, and a unique message to readers, which felt characteristic of the Metal Gear video games, and which I liked greatly.

The feeling at the end was of satisfaction. I have never played the Metal Gear Solid 4 videogame, but I felt this book answered the questions posed in all three previous games. The same feeling of elation and absorbing interest that I had experienced with those three games was mirrored in this novel. If you want to read a great Metal Gear novel then this is the one. If new readers can get used to the unfamiliar names in the first half of the book then they will probably be interested in the conclusion in this story, which is very interesting and well … epic

May 29, 2013

Impact point — Simon Rosser — 4/5 stars

I was deciding which book to read next. I read the blurb for this book and was going to reject it, because environmental novels or novels about disasters don’t usually appeal to me. I kept reading the blurb, and noticed there was a speculative element to the story, which reminded me a bit of Man Plus by Frederick Pohl.

I was not disappointed once I started reading the story. I have been unable to finish the last few stories I had started reading, but this brought back the energy I felt the others lacked. It was action-packed from the start, and the author soon brings the reader into the story with the ‘problem’, which was the mysterious beaching of a few whales.

I particularly liked the James Bond element to Impact Point. It was James Bond, transformed from the Cold War setting to a modern world, where terrorists lurk, Twitter and Facebook and YouTube are present, and mobile phones are in use. However, it wasn’t all James Bond. The two main characters were very action-oriented, but they had different backgrounds. I felt we didn’t learn too much about Travis Dexter’s past, but this didn’t bother me as much because I was overawed with his quick-thinking abilities.

The impending disaster allowed for a very exciting read as the reactions of the main characters coincided with larger forces. I also commend the author on the originality of the scientists, in the terms of their aims. It was a very realistic read.

However, I didn’t give it five stars, but it was close. My reasoning was that the number of grammatical and spelling mistakes increases as the reader gets further into the story. It did bother me a bit, since I am a perfectionist, and it is a factor in whether I would decide to read another book by this author. The story itself was great, and on that merit I would certainly read this author’s work again.